Newstalk ZB
February 4, 2004
Staff traumatised by pack rape claims
Commissioner Rob
Robinson's decision to promote Clint Rickards likely to be scrutinised in rape
allegation inquiry
The Police Commissioner's decision to promote Clint Rickards is expected to
come under the spotlight as part of a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged
pack rape involving Auckland's police chief.
The incident is alleged to have happened in 1986 at a police house in Rotorua,
when Ms Nicholas was 18.
Commissioner Rob Robinson was instrumental in seeing Mr Rickards' rise through
the ranks and says he is aware his decisions could come under scrutiny,
depending on the inquiry's terms of reference.
Mr Rickards says he will fight the allegations.
Meanwhile, Mr Robinson says the allegations have traumatised some of his staff,
who have expressed a range of emotions.
He says there is a pride in the professionalism of the organisation that is
carried by all police officers and when something touches one of them it
reflects upon everyone.
Mr Robinson says public trust and confidence in the
The Government has indicated it is moving to quickly set up the Commission of
Inquiry.
Attorney General Margaret Wilson says the first thing to do is establish terms
of reference.
The inquiry will look into systemic issues and processes in the police handling
of the issue, including matters around police conduct and culture.